SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS
FROM MR. SIM SUONG, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE KINGDOM
OF CAMBODIA TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, DECEMBER
12, 1997
I am very happy to
receive from His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk the Letter of Credence,
accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of India. I reciprocate His Majesty's
kind sentiments and would like to extend my warmest regards and best wishes
for His Majesty's health and well-being, as well as for the prosperity
and welfare of the friendly people of Cambodia. I would also like to extend
to you a very warm and cordial welcome to India.
India and Cambodia
share deep bonds of friendship, which go far back into history and draw
strength from common values and ideals and enduring cultural, indeed,
civilisational links. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and other world-renowned
historical monuments in Cambodia are a living testimony to this intimate
affinity between our two countries and peoples. Buddhism has influenced
Indian and Cambodian culture and tradition over the centuries. In India,
there has always been great goodwill for the people of Cambodia and we
have always desired that peace and prosperity prevail in your great country.
I am happy to note
that our bilateral relations have flourished and gathered strength over
time. India is extending technical assistance to Cambodia in the form
of technical experts and training facilities in India. I would like to
assure you that our fraternal support and cooperation, which is guided
by the spirit of Asian cooperation, will continue and that India is prepared
to place at Cambodia's disposal her expertise and experience in diverse
areas of economic development including human resource development.
Bilateral trade between
India and Cambodia has increased steadily during the last few years. However,
there remains a significant untapped potential which our two countries,
and specially the business communities must together seize. I am confident
that our friendly and cordial ties in diverse sectors will be further
nurtured during your tenure here.
Both our countries
can and should work together to encourage closer economic interaction
among the countries of the South in order to promote more equitable global
development. As partners in the Nonaligned Movement and other fora, India
and Cambodia have represented the interests of developing countries and
have followed similar policies on international and global issues. We
are happy to recall India's participation in the UN-sponsored elections
in Cambodia.
Excellency, I appreciate
the commitment you have expressed towards strengthening friendship and
cooperation between our two countries. I have no doubt that with your
experience, you will be able to contribute significantly towards enhancing
the multi-faceted cooperation between India and Cambodia. In welcoming
you to India, I would like to assure you that you will receive the fullest
cooperation of my Government in the fulfilment of your mission to further
deepen and diversify the friendly ties existing between our two countries.
I wish you a successful tenure of office and a pleasant and comfortable
stay in India.
Thank you
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